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Webbing Spiders
Silverfish
Rodents in Roof Space.
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Wasps
Interior and Exterior Ant Treatment.
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Redback Spider
Identification
Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the Family Theridiidae, which is found worldwide. The notorious Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus sp) of the United States is a close relative of the Redback Spider, and only differs in appearance by the absence of a red dorsal stripe. Other species of Latrodectus occur in Africa, New Zealand (the Katipo), the Pacific Islands, Europe and North and South America.
Female Redback Spiders are black (occasionally brownish) with an obvious orange to red longitudinal stripe on the upper abdomen, with the red stripe sometimes being broken, and an “hourglass” shaped red/orange spot on the underside of the abdomen. Juveniles have additional white markings on the abdomen. Females have a body about the size of a large pea and slender legs.
The males’ red markings are often less distinct. The body is light brown with white markings on the upper side of the abdomen, and a pale hour-glass marking on the underside.
Redback Spider Habitat
Redback Spider webs consist of a tangled, funnel-like upper retreat area from which vertical, sticky catching threads run to ground attachments. The Redback Spider favours proximity to human habitation, with webs being built in dry, sheltered sites, such as among rocks, in logs, shrubs, junk-piles, sheds, or toilets. Redback Spiders are less common in winter months.
European Wasp
Identification
- European wasps are a stout wasp with a bright yellow and black banded abdomen, and a pair of black spots on each yellow band.
- They have two pairs of clear wings with the first pair larger.
- They have black antennae and fly with their legs held close to the body.
Habitat
- European wasps are found in large communal nests, normally only visible as a small entrance hole.
- They are normally built either underground or in cavities in walls, ceilings, logs or trees.
- The nests are made from chewed wood fibre and can be found in ceilings, wall cavities, logs, tree trunks and soil.
Distribution
- The European wasp is a native of Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor.
- They are now firmly established in metropolitan Sydney, and are also found in Bowral/Moss Vale, the Blue Mountains, Narrandera, Deniliquin, Albury, Wagga, Coleambally, Griffith, Dareton, Junee, Forbes, Coonabarabran, Orange, Bathurst and West Wyalong.
- European wasps are also present in New Zealand.
Black House Spider
Identification
The Black House Spider belongs to the family Desidae. Related species are found throughout Australia.
The Black House Spider (Badumna insignis) is a dark robust spider, with grey hairs usually visible on the carapace. Females are larger than males but there is a great range in adult sizes. The carapace and legs are dark brown to black, and the abdomen is charcoal grey with a dorsal pattern of white markings (sometimes indistinct).
The web structure includes one or more ‘funnel-like’ entrances to the spider’s retreat, which is sometimes misunderstood as a Funnel-web Spider web. However, Black House Spiders are not at all related to Australian funnel-webs, nor similar in appearance, size or life history. The retreat of a true Australian Funnel-web Spider (famiy Atracidae) is usually less funnel-like and is often a burrow in the ground. Common Southern Tree Funnel-webs make burrows in tree-trunk crevices in similar habitats to Black House Spiders, but their crescent-shaped web entrances are disguised with detritus (eg, bark) particles embedded in the silk, whereas the silk of Badumna webs is exposed.
Habitat
Black House Spiders are found on tree trunks, logs, rock walls and buildings (in window frames, wall crevices, etc). Whilst juvenile spiders may be quite exposed, the ones that survive to adulthood have usually acquired a secure retreat beneath bark or in a deep crevice.
Distribution
Black House Spiders are widely distributed, particularly in southern and eastern Australia.
Sugar Ant
Identification
Sugar Ants are relatively large ants with an orange-brown middle and black head and abdomen.
Habitat
Sugar ants live in urban areas, forests and woodlands, and heath.
Distribution
Sugar Ants are found throughout Australia.
Feeding and diet
The Sugar Ant’s name comes from a liking for sugar, but they are attracted to any sweet food. They are omnivores and can be seen foraging under street or house lights during the summer months. They also collect nectar and other secretions from plants, as well as honeydew from aphids and other plant-eating invertebrates such as caterpillars.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Sugar Ants tend aphids much like farmers tend their stock, moving them around and protecting them from predators.